Ten out of ten for Flavours scheme

One of the very first schemes in this country to recognise and reward the use-and-promotion of local produce, the annual "Flavours of Herefordshire" competition, will reach a new milestone in 2008 as organisers prepare to mark its 10th birthday.

Now widely viewed as one best examples of how an area of Britain can celebrate its regional flavours, the scheme has also been responsible for raising standards of quality and service throughout the county since its inception ten years ago.

And the launch of this year's competition is certain to once again spark a flurry of activity amongst the county's chefs, restaurateurs, publicans, accommodation providers and food producers.

The link between Herefordshire's rural landscape and the food and drink which is on offer to its residents and visitors alike is set to become even stronger this year, with the introduction of a new competition inviting members of the public to devise a recipe for a main meal, costing under £5 and using only local produce.

Entrants will be invited to submit their recipes throughout the summer, before being short-listed, and then asked to attend the annual Food Festival at Hereford Racecourse for a "cook-off".

The full range of categories for the 2008 Flavours of Herefordshire awards scheme is featured at http://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/. One of the biggest changes from previous years is that the "Producer of the Year" now features two separate awards - food, and drink.

One of last year's big winners was Bridge House Hotel in Wilton, near Ross-on-Wye which scooped a much-prized "Outstanding Achievement Award" - having been winner of the Restaurant of the Year category for two years, and short-listed for the Regional Food Awards.

The tenth annual Flavours competition will reach its conclusion on Friday, October 24, on the eve of the 2008 Herefordshire Food Festival.

Television's "Hairy Bikers" have been invited to be the guests of honour at the Flavours of Herefordshire prize-giving dinner, as well as participating chefs at the Food Festival - which will give all members of the public the chance to try and buy some of the UK's finest local produce over the weekend of October 25 and 26.

Copies the current Flavours of Herefordshire Food Festival leaflet can be obtained free of charge by telephoning 01432 260621 or visit http://www.visitherefordshire.co.uk/ for further details.